Prescription drug abuse is on the rise and should be
cause for
great concern. Narcotic (analgesic) drugs are the most commonly misused
of
prescription drugs. Below are the three categories of prescription
drugs:

NARCOTICS(OxyContin,
Vicodin,
Percocet), also known as analgesics or opiods are drugs that are
prescribed for
moderate to severe physical pain. They are abused because of their
euphoric,
sedating, and numbing effects. Narcotic abuse causes tolerance and
dependence
and the withdrawal symptoms are severe.

DEPRESSANTS (Xanax,
Valium,
Librium) are drugs that are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep
disorders.
They are abused because of their sedating properties. With abuse,
depressants
cause tolerance and dependence and the withdrawal symptoms can be
severe.

STIMULANTS (Ritalin,
Dexedrine,
Meridia) are prescribed to treat ADD/ADHD and other conditions such as
asthma.
They are abused because of their energizing and euphoric effects.
Stimulants do
not generally cause tolerance or dependence but abuse is associated with
hostility and paranoia. There is also great risk for cardiovascular
failure and
seizures.